Yamaha Withdraws from Qatar MotoGP Over Middle East Safety Concerns

The Japanese manufacturer will skip next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, with MotoGP warning that the decision could carry sporting consequences under championship regulations.

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Both of the Yamaha MotoGP teams will not participate in next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and its existing travel restrictions.

The announcement was made on Sunday following the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. Yamaha said it had assessed the situation independently of MotoGP Group and the event organiser before deciding not to travel to Doha for the race, scheduled to take place this upcoming weekend.

“Following its latest assessment of the situation in the Middle East, Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions,” Yamaha Racing said in a statement. “As a result, Yamaha has informed MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.”

The decision could have sporting consequences for the Japanese manufacturer, which currently sits last in the constructors’ championship with 105 points, compared with Ducati’s 537 points at the top of the standings.

MotoGP Expresses Disappointment Over Yamaha’s Decision

MotoGP has expressed disappointment over Yamaha’s withdrawal, stating that it believes sufficient safety assurances have been provided for the Qatar event.

“We do not believe this decision reflects the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders,” MotoGP said in a statement.

“Following consultation with the State of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and MotoGP’s own ongoing risk assessment process, MotoGP has not received any information that would warrant a change to the current plans.”

MotoGP added that the remainder of the grid had assured the championship that they would compete in Qatar. It also warned that Yamaha’s decision could lead to sporting consequences under the championship regulations.

“Yamaha’s non-participation also carries sporting implications,” MotoGP said. “With any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM (The International Motorcycling Federation) in accordance with the Championship regulations.”

Yamaha, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to the championship and confirmed that it intends to return for the Portuguese Grand Prix.

“Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix,” the team said.

Middle East Tensions Raise Concerns Over Race Safety

Yamaha’s decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with several riders reportedly pushing for next week’s race to be cancelled.

The situation has also affected other major motorsport events in the region. In March, Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April due to safety concerns linked to the Iran war.

The cancellations followed Iranian strikes on both countries in response to US and Israeli airstrikes. Losing two races in lucrative Middle Eastern markets also represented a financial setback for Formula 1 and its teams.

For MotoGP, the immediate focus remains on the Qatar Grand Prix, with the championship maintaining that the event will proceed as scheduled despite Yamaha’s withdrawal.

Following the Qatar round, only two race weekends will remain in the 2026 MotoGP season, with the championship set to continue in Portugal and Spain later this month.